The national Project Learning Tree office is proud to offer a curriculum supplemental package, designed for use with grades 4 to 8, to help students experience and learn about energy in new and creatively "energetic" ways. (Project Learning Tree is sponsored in New Jersey by the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks and Forestry.)

By integrating energy concepts into science, music and dance they created a hands-on series of activities that encourage students to investigate energy concepts while utilizing their own creativity. Concepts that are focused on include renewable energy, fossil fuels, conservation and transformation.

Highlights

Workshop participants receive the following classroom resources that comprise the "Energy and Society" kit:

Energy and Society Activity Guide: Includes a content section; information on how to use the materials; correlation between lesson objectives and national standards in science, social studies and language arts; a student energy primer; lessons, activities and posters; ideas for student action projects and science fair activities; children's literature on energy; glossary; and, lyrics to the songs used on the accompanying CD.

Energy and Me Music CD: A collection of 15 energy-related songs from the popular children's singer/songwriter Billy B. (The music CD can be purchased separately through Billy B's website at www.billybproductions.com).

Energy and Me Music and Dance Video: Billy B and students perform dances to five of the songs from the music CD and complete instructions are provided for three of these dances.

Workshops are free of charge. Professional development hours for teachers are provided through Project Learning Tree.

The Energy and Society kit can be purchased separately from the national Project Learning Tree office at a cost of $28.75 each (or $26.00 each for 100 or more kits). Information about the kit, along with an order form, are available at www.plt.org/curriculum/energy.cfm.